Vodka Remedies

Promoted as a cure-all for everything from stomach cramps to depression, insomnia and hang-over, "Erofeitch" is a particularly strong infusion – usually made with 90 proof vodka.I’m not sure it cures anything.But it will probably make you forget what was bothering you.

Legend has it that Erofeitch was named by Czarina Ekaterina II – who was famous for her promiscuity.One of her lovers, Alexei, got very ill.And despite all of Ekaterina’s efforts, no one in her court could find a cure for his sickness.The cure came from a barber, named Erofeitch, who had traveled to China where he learned how to make herb-infused drinks.He managed to cure Alexei with this vodka herb concoction and was generously awarded by Ekaterina.Since then, any strong herb-infused vodka has come to be known by his name.

By now you should be convinced that
vodka belongs in the kitchen cupboard as well as in the liquor cabinet.Maybe there’s also room for a bottle in yourmedicine kit?

In ancient times, Russian villagers
– famous for their superstitious nature – would attempt to bribe measles and
other infirmities by placing a bottle of vodka and food offerings at their
front door along with a plea for the illness to pass.Later, vodka was combined with herbs and other ingredients
to disinfect, cleanse or treat a variety of ailments.

Today, plain and flavored vodkas
are still considered to be very much a cure-all by modern Russians. From time to time I'll post some of the recipes that have been shared with me by babushkas over the years.I can’t say with any certainty that any of them will cure what ails
you.But, like chicken soup, they
also can’t do you very much harm. Stay tuned.

Join my mailing list!

Visit My Website

I'm occasionally out and about promoting The Vodka Cookbook (published in association with Smirnoff Vodka). Watch this space for photos from my various publicity adventures. You've heard of reality television? Well this is the same thing...only slower and less interesting.